Being “green” includes recognizing the full value and potential of the stuff you already have. Similar to recycling, upcycling and repurposing are all about giving our possessions a second life.
Around the world, the upcycling movement is gaining momentum as a way to reduce waste and spread awareness of how we can use and reuse common household items in a variety of fun and creative ways.
You’d be surprised what a comb, an old pair of pantyhose, a picture frame, or a wine cork can do. One trick is to look at the shape of a particular item you want to repurpose and consider how else you can utilize those proportions.
For example, a wine case turned on its side and repainted makes for a lovely shoe rack. Have a door that automatically locks behind you? Tie a rubber band around a door from handle to handle to prevent the door from latching shut. Turn a spare button into a handy earring holder or plant herbs in an old coffee tin.
For more ideas on upcycling, check out this list from Pinterest (www.cashnetusa.com/blog/38-alternative-uses-unused-household-items/) that offers 38 alternatives for unused household items.
